Attack of the (Edible) Pumpkin

The ultimate autumnal ingredient has moved beyond spicing our lattes and is now appearing on fall menus around Portland.

Even though the Halloween decorations appear on store shelves before Labor Day, Portland's dedication to seasonal eating means real pumpkin-spiked potables and palate pleasers are just showing up now. Here are some stand-by spots that are aiming to satisfy your squash-loving appetites this fall:

Frozen: Pick up some pumpkin cheesecake ice cream now at Salt & Straw, or beginning November 2nd, scoop up some of their Pumpkin Custard swirled in Spiced Chevre ice cream (also available as a to-go ice cream pie). Ruby Jewel is also stirring up squashy scoops made with local, organic Stahlbush Island Farms pumpkin at both scoop shops, and Burgerville's seasonal favorite—pumpkin milkshakes and smoothies—are just a drive thru away. For more frozen pumpkin goodness, Cool Moon in the Pearl is offering whole Pumpkin Ice Cream Pies with ginger snap crust filled with pumpkin ice cream topped with maple leaf cookies. Need more? Saint Cupcake's got Pumpkin and Nutmeg ice cream Whoopiewiches. Whoopie!